Enhanced Performance of Stabilized By-Product Gypsum
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 17, Issue 6
Abstract
Blended calcium sulfate (BCS), a by-product gypsum blended with lime or limestone, has been used as a base course material on some of Louisiana’s highways. Although BCS has high strength in dry conditions, its poor water resistance has largely limited its application in highway construction. A series of laboratory tests identified the factors that dictate the strength development of nonstabilized BCS. BCS was subsequently stabilized with various cementing agents to improve its water resistance. The mechanical properties of stabilized BCS, including its unconfined compressive strength, water resistance, volumetric expansion, and durability, were also evaluated. Finally, recommendations were made for the application of stabilized BCS as a base course material.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Acknowledgments
The writers acknowledge the efforts of Justin G. Fontenot and Amy L. Dupre in conducting laboratory work. The writers also acknowledge other colleagues in the LTRC’s geotechnical group for their assistance and help.
References
ASTM. (2001a). “Standard test methods for laboratory compaction characteristics of soils using modified effort .” ASTM D1557, West Conshohocken, Pa.
ASTM. (2001b). “Standard test methods for compressive strength of molded soil-cement cylinder.” ASTM D1633, West Conshohocken, Pa.
ASTM. (2001c). “Standard test methods for wetting and drying compacted soil-cement mixtures.” ASTM D559, West Conshohocken, Pa.
ASTM. (2001d). “Standard test methods for laboratory compaction characteristics of soils using standard effort .” ASTM D698, West Conshohocken, Pa.
ASTM. (2005). “Standard specification for ground granulated blast-furnace slag for use in concrete and mortars.” ASTM C989, West Conshohocken, Pa.
Brink, R. H. (1974). “Use of waste sulfate on Transportation’72 parking lot.” Proc., 3rd Int. Ash Utilization Symp., U.S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, D.C.
Christopher, B. R. , and McGuffey, V. C. (1997). “Pavement subsurface drainage system.” NCHRP Rep. No. 239, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C.
Coquard, P. (1994). “Water and solvent effects on the strength of set plaster.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Geomech. Abstr., 31(5), 517–524.
Groves, A. W. (1958). Gypsum and anhydrite, 2nd Ed., Overseas Geological Surveys, London.
Henning, O., and Eggert, O. (1999). “Moisture-induced changes in gypsum building material.” Zem. Kalk Gips B 3, 159–154.
Kolver, K. (1998). “Strength and water absorption for gypsum-cement-silica fume blends of improved performance.” Adv. Cem. Res., 10(2), 81–92.
Kolver, K. (2001). “Enhancing water resistance of cement and gypsum-cement materials.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng., 13(5), 349–355.
Usmen, M., and Moulton, L. (1984). “Construction and performance of experimental base course test sections built with waste sulfate, lime, and fly ash.” Transportation Research Record. 998, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C.
Zhang, Z., Wang, L., Tao, M., and Morvant, M. (2004). “Evaluating the water resistance of by-product gypsum.” Proc., Geo Jordan 2004: Advances in Geotechnical Engineering with Emphasis on Dam Engineering, K. Alshibli, A. I. H. Malkawi, and M. Alsaleh, eds., ASCE, Reston, Va., 355–368.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 17 • Issue 6 • December 2005
Pages: 617 - 623
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 27, 2004
Accepted: Mar 14, 2005
Published online: Dec 1, 2005
Published in print: Dec 2005
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Chiara F. Ferraris
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.